Long Padded Crusader Gambeson

Long Padded Crusader Gambeson in Natural Unbleached Cotton

Historical Context and Purpose of the Aketon

The padded coat, also known as a gambeson or aketon, formed the absolute foundation of every warrior's protection in the Middle Ages. While common infantrymen wore it from the 11th to the 15th centuries as their primary and often only armour, heavily armoured knights wore it as a vital shock-absorbing layer beneath their chainmail or plate armour. The purpose of the diamond-shaped quilting was to keep the padding material firmly in place and to evenly distribute the kinetic energy of incoming blows. The long cut reaching below the knees, which this model features, provided excellent protection for the thighs, while the front and rear slits allowed for effortless horseback riding and wide combat stances.

Materials and Thoughtful Design

This high-quality coat is made from 100% natural cotton, used for both the outer shell and the internal padding. Cotton guarantees good breathability and durability. The fabric is approximately 10 millimetres (0.39 inches) thick, representing an ideal compromise between protection and flexibility. The coat features a high padded collar that perfectly protects the neck from chafing caused by steel plates or mail rings. For easier dressing and optimal fitting, the collar can be loosened using the lacing and traditional cloth buttons located on the back of the neck and the left shoulder. The long sleeves feature small slits at the wrists, allowing you to easily adjust the coat even when wearing thick leather gauntlets or steel hourglass gauntlets.

Safe Usage and Limitations

Although this gambeson is a functional piece of combat gear, it is crucial to know its limitations. Please note that with a padding thickness of 10 millimetres (0.39 inches), this is not protective armour suitable for full-contact heavy combat such as buhurt (Battle of the Nations) without the use of additional shock-absorbing layers or solid steel plates. The coat will serve you perfectly as light protection for fencing drills, light sparring, wooden weapon fighting, or LARP battles. For safety reasons, never use it as your sole protection against sharp weapons or forceful blows from blunt weapons made of hardwood or steel. Always assess the intensity of the combat and add supplementary protectors if necessary.

How to Properly Care for Your Gambeson

To ensure your gambeson lasts for many years in perfect condition, it requires proper care. After every strenuous battle or training session where the cotton absorbs sweat, let the garment air out thoroughly and dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. This will prevent the formation of mould and unpleasant odours. If it gets dirty, we recommend only gentle hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Strictly avoid the washing machine and tumble dryer, as this could cause the cotton fibres to shrink or permanently damage the internal padding. Dry the coat laid out flat horizontally to help it retain its proper shape.

Recommended Accessories for Your Armour

For maximum comfort, we recommend wearing a thin linen tunic or undergarment beneath the gambeson to absorb sweat. This padded coat forms a perfect ensemble together with a long leather knight's belt, a chainmail hauberk, and padded chausses. Your historical appearance will then be brought to perfection by a high-quality one-handed Norman sword from our collection.

Technical Parameters of the Padded Coat